Confident Wardley Tips the scales at Twenty Pounds Less Less Than Bulky Joseph Parker
Winning-streak Parker (left) has a six-fight victory run, and stoppage artist Fabio Wardley has a perfect record in 20 career contests.
Wardley-Parker Heavyweight Clash
Location: O2 Arena, London Date: Saturday, the 25th of October
Coverage: Follow round-by-round coverage and audio coverage on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra and mobile application starting at 20:30 BST prior to moving to BBC Radio 5 Live from 10:00 PM.
Joseph Parker registered nearly 20lb more compared to his opponent as each big men displayed assured poses - although in opposing manners - ahead of the Saturday headliner in London.
New Zealand's Parker places his interim WBO title and shot to fight for the world title at stake facing the perfect Wardley at the premier boxing arena.
Reigning heavyweight champion Usyk has indicated his aim to retain his championship titles against the victor.
"It all comes down to this. It represents the ultimate," said a determined but focused Wardley, aged 30, at yesterday's scale ceremony.
Wardley - who holds the WBA interim strap - came in at 110 kg, matching his recent bouts.
"This contest before the big one. Every effort is completed. Camp is wrapped up. All the hard work is done. Now for some downtime now. Huge occasion coming up," he continued.
Spitalfields Market in London's east end hosted beyond fresh produce on the scales as the pair of heavyweights faced off for the last occasion ahead of the main event.
Parker gave a wink at the lenses and moved along to the beat.
Showing off his muscles, he appeared powerful and powerful as he registered at eighteen stone ten pounds, only a handful of pounds below than his peak weight.
This marks a far cry from the 107 kg version who lost his belt to AJ in 2018.
"We are alert, we're cautious, but I'm going to fight fire with fire and I'm going to get him," Parker said.
I operate on a higher plane and will dominate him - Joseph Parker
Wardley, sporting an football shirt, held a straight face, acknowledged the fans, but appeared focused.
Despite being the smaller man, Wardley has outstanding stopping ability. He delivered a dramatic recovery facing Justis Huni in last June, behind on the judges' cards prior to stopping his rival in the tenth round even though being outclassed for much of the fight.
"His opponent, his team and boxing fans will learn I am destined to be at the peak of this weight class," Fabio Wardley affirmed.
"Each rival has been the boxer experts predict will defeat me. This is the one. He is exceptional pace, rapid, too experienced. Yet My record is perfect yet, and nothing will shift tomorrow night."
